Religious 

Education News

Sacrament of Confirmation 

 

‘Like Baptism which it completes, Confirmation is given only once, for it too imprints on the soul, a spiritual mark, which is the sign that Jesus Christ has marked a person with the seal of his Spirit, by clothing him with power from on high so that he may be his witness.’ (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1304)

On Friday, 18th October, Year Six students from St Francis Xavier will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Confirmation is the second of the Three Sacraments of Initiation. This sacrament completes Baptism, where we are confirmed with the fullness of the Holy Spirit. 

As confirmed Catholics, we are reminded of our participation in the ministry and mission of Jesus and strengthened to follow Him more closely. 

Year Six students have been preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation through sessions with Father Richard, and will be taking part in a Confirmation Reflection Day on Wednesday 16th of October. We ask that you please keep these students in your prayers. 

Mission Week - Term 4 

Here in Australia, October marks World Mission Month. In Week 2 of next term, students at St Francis Xavier will be raising money for people less fortunate than ourselves and working together to build evangelisation. Throughout Mission Week, we share in God’s mission to reach out and give life by sharing our personal and financial resoures to: proclaim the gospel, serve people in need and act for peace, justice and creation. All money raised will be sent to Caritas Australia.

Pope Francis’ message for World Mission Sunday (20th October) this year reflects on the theme: “You shall be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8). He reminds us that, “every Christian is called to be a missionary and witness to Christ. 

We will be having a Mission Day on Friday 25th October. Students can take part in the following: 

Lolly guessing competition 

Students can take part in a lolly guessing competition at recess and lunch. Students have the opportunity to guess how many lollies they think are in the jar. Any student taking part in the competition needs to donate a gold coin donation. The guesses are as follows: 

• $1 for 1 guess 
• $2 for 3 guesses 

The closest and most accurate guess will get to keep the entire jar! 

Mufti Day 

We will be having a mufti day on Friday 25th of October. Students wearing mufti clothes are to bring in a gold coin donation.

We look forward to working together to raise money for world missions! 

Important Updates from Sydney Catholic Schools - Mission and Identity Directorate

Please see below some important updates from the Sydney Catholic Schools Mission and Identity Directorate.

Announcement: 2028 International Eucharistic Congress in Sydney

During the recent conclusion of the 2024 International Eucharistic Congress in Ecuador, it was formally announced that Sydney will host the next gathering in 2028. This is significant for us, and will mark the 100th anniversary of when Australia last hosted the event.  A media release from the Archdiocese of Sydney regarding the 2028 International Eucharistic Congress, and an accompanying Pastoral Letter from Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP have been posted on Compass. 

Invitation: Digital Dangers & our kids led by Melinda Tankard Reist ( 28 Oct and 29 Oct)

The Family Wellbeing & Education Team would like to invite school communities (parents and SCS staff) to attend either one of the special events led by Melinda Tankard Reist, titled "Digital Dangers & our kids". Please see the details below.

Option 1: 

28 October 2024

6.30pm - 8.45pm

Liverpool Catholic Club

424 - 458 Hoxton Park Road, Prestons

Option 2:

29 October 2024

6.30pm - 8.45pm

Souths Juniors' Club

558A Anzac Parade, Kingsford

The subject, "Digital Dangers & our kids" is a topical one and a much needed conversation for our families. With the Federal Government's announcement of plans this week, to use age verification and assurance technology to block children from social media and other digital platforms, the time is right to engage our communities in this dialogue.

Melinda is a well known, credible and powerful speaker on this issue. Recent and relevant publications where this issue has been discussed include:

• Harmful pornography is the subject of NSW parliamentary inquiry - NSW Government website
• Parents urged to make voices heard at NSW porn inquiry - Catholic Weekly 
• We need to free our kids from this ‘porndemic’  - Catholic Weekly
• Parents have a role in keeping kids safe online  - Catholic Weekly

Advertising material to assist with the promotion of this event is attached to the most recent Compass announcement. 

Ursuline Global Cookbook 

A message from St Ursula’s College Kingsgrove:

Our joint initiative between Ursuline Academy Wilmington and St Ursula’s College Kingsgrove, in collaboration with the Ursuline community in Battambang, Cambodia, is driven by our shared commitment to Ursuline values and our mission to prepare and inspire the next generation for leadership and service in a global society.

Our community kitchen project reflects our dedication to reciprocal learning, intercultural understanding, and creating a lasting, multidimensional impact for women and society across our diverse communities. Having lived in the community since 2018, the Ursuline sisters at the Mother of Peace school in Cambodia, have a longstanding relationship with the families of Chrab Viel. Daily interactions at the school and regular ministry visits to the local homes have seen the sisters become close companions and visible signs of love in the local community. Responding to the call to serve, an invitation was extended to twelve local women to join a community kitchen. This opportunity not only allows them to provide for their families but also to build a support network. Under the guidance and support of Sister Nongnut and Sister Supansa, these women are embarking on a journey of community engagement and personal growth. 

The Community Kitchen Project is a cookbook, aimed to collect a series of recipes and stories to highlight the diversity and unity of the Ursuline family around the world. The funds from the sale of the cookbook will be channelled back into the Community Kitchen in Cambodia to further support the women in their project.

The link to Pre order is now live - https://www.trybooking.com/CSQUB

(Please write SFX next to your order name) 

How blessed we are to do God’s work and be the face of Christ to those we meet!